Silkiyara tunnel incident soon after the Baba Bokh Naag Devata Temple dismantled

41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel came out safely

(Credit – Firstpost)

Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – Tremendous efforts went through the rescue operations for the trapped 41 workers in Silkiyara tunnel. They were trapped inside for 17 days, as a part of the tunnel had caved in. On the evening of 28th of November, when the workers finally came out of the tunnel, their relatives felt great relief. The Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami along with Union State Minister General (retd.) VK Singh were present there. Dhami praised rescue workers and Army soldiers for a great show of perseverance and patience.

Locals believe the accident is wrath of Baba Bokh Naag Devata

Ahead of Diwali, this temple of Baba Bokh Naag Devata was demolished by the construction company, promising to build another temple close to the tunnel. Since 2019, 4 years had already passed but the promise was not kept. Even the small temple, which the villagers had built, was demolished by the company. Despite reminders about the promise from the locals, the company ignored it. The locals believe that the accident occurred due to the wrath of the Deity.

The priest offered prayers for the rescue of the workers

When all the rescue operation plans failed, the officials of the construction company visited the temple priest and asked for forgiveness. They pleaded with him to offer worship. The priest Ganesh Prasad offered worship inside the tunnel and blew a conch. He prayed for the success of the rescue operation.

Advice was given not to demolish the temple

40-year-old Dhanveerchand Ramola said, “a temple was constructed at the mouth of the tunnel before the project started. The officials and the workers would enter the tunnel after prayers to this local Deity. A few days ago, this temple was demolished and this accident occurred. People believe the accident was due to this act.

It is a tradition to build a temple for the local Deity

One more local person Rakesh Noutiyal said, “We had warned the company not to demolish the temple or alternatively, build another one nearby. The officials dismissed our plea as superstition. Earlier also a mishap had occurred, but no one was harmed and there was no other damage.”

The Chief Minister and a tunnel expert from abroad offered worship

Hearing about the wrath of Baba Bokh Naag Devata, the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and an international tunnel expert Arnold Dicks, both offered worship to Baba Bokh Naag Devata.